Joyce Heim

Joyce E. Heim, 82 of St. Charles, passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Whitewater Health Services in St. Charles. Joyce was born on December 19, 1938 in Utica Township to Alvin and Glennis (Peterson) Wondrow. Joyce graduated from Rochester High School in 1957. She married Anthony (Jerry) Heim on September 6, 1958 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester, MN, and together they raised six children and were later divorced.
Joyce began her work career working as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and then on to what once was the First National Bank in St. Charles. She also worked at Camera Art, the Elba House, HyVee Bakery ending her career with her retirement on January 31, 2006 from Mayo Clinic in the Dietetics Area.
Joyce had many passions in her life which included playing pumpkin ball for the Elba woman's team and then on to her bowling career as part of the Kermies' Bar team. She enjoyed camping with family and friends at the Lazy "D" Campground and hosting many gatherings which always include a few rounds of playing 500. She was an avid Vikings, Twins and NASCAR enthusiast and enjoyed her outings to the Moose and Treasure Island. However, her true claim to fame was her many buckets of potato salad which you would find at graduations, anniversaries, and family gatherings.
Joyce always had a warm heart and welcomed all into her home as she moved from the farm, to Rochester, Assisted Living and the Nursing Home. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren creating many memories. One thing she will always be remembered for is her candy bowl full of treats, mini sodas in the refrigerator as well as adult beverages for her neighbors, friends and family who stopped to visit.
She is survived by her children, Carol (Dave) Anderson, Sandy (Phil) Schwantz, Sue Thompson, Stacy Kemnitz (Greg Oliver), Mike (Lori) Heim, and Pat (Wendy) Heim, 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and her brother, Merrill (Donna) Wondrow.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Duane, Lyle and Lowell Wondrow; and son-in-law, Ray Thompson.
A Funeral Mass for Joyce will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will be at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Elba. A Visitation will be at the church from 9 - 11 a.m. Saturday. Please share a memory of Joyce at her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.